At this time I need to share my itinerary for six days in London with you. Slightly below every week is a perfect period of time to spend within the metropolis. You’ll be capable to get an outline of what the UK capital has to supply guests, see the highlights, and uncover locations that suit your private pursuits. You’ll even have time to take a day journey. Learn on for the official A Woman in London itinerary.
6 Days in London
Considered one of my favourite issues about operating a journey weblog for a residing is that I get to assist folks plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by way of my weblog posts or my journey planning providers, I at all times like understanding my readers and followers have had a greater expertise in London or overseas after studying my posts.
I typically get requested spend 6 days in London, so right this moment I need to share my itinerary. From sightseeing spots to native areas and nice locations to eat, drink, and store, it has quite a lot of issues to see and do within the metropolis.
I’ve created a variety of London itineraries, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the others. You can even check out my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for extra inspiration.
I’ve even developed itineraries for 36 hours, 48 hours, and a weekend in London.
The perfect factor is that there’s no proper or flawed technique to spend your time within the metropolis. You’ll be able to regulate my 6-day London itinerary to suit your journey model and private passions. No matter you find yourself doing, you’ll get a strong overview of what the UK capital has for guests.
You should use my London journey information and my record of 51 issues to do in London in a 12 months to fill within the gaps or discover seasonal occasions which might be happening if you’re visiting, too.
The place to Keep in London
In the case of the place to remain in London, you might have plenty of alternative. Whether or not you need to hire a flat or ebook a lodge room, the town has quite a lot of locations for each model, style, and price range.
Given London is large and the points of interest are widespread, I extremely advocate selecting someplace in or close to the town heart. You’ll be able to take a look at my weblog posts about the most effective space to remain in London, the most effective motels on your model, and quirky motels for concepts. I’ve even written about pubs with rooms.
You can even discover offers and ebook lodging in London right here. With so many nice locations to select from, you’re certain to seek out someplace you like.
Methods to Pack for six Days in London
When you’ve determined when to return, it’s important to pack for London. Relying if you go to, that can imply various things.
I’ve written packing lists for summer time, autumn, winter, and spring that may assist you determine what to put on in London. I’ve additionally created a normal record of issues to convey all 12 months.
When you’re flying to the town, you may check out my long-haul packing record and my information to pack with only a carry-on (I used to be interviewed by The New York Instances in regards to the latter).
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
When you’re on the town, you may start the primary of your 6 days in London with espresso and meals. Whether or not you head to among the best espresso outlets in London or one of the scrumptious locations for breakfast, you’ll gas your self up properly.
Afterwards you’ll be prepared for a enjoyable day of discovering the highlights of the UK capital. My favourite place to start out sightseeing in London is Westminster.
You’ll be able to head to Buckingham Palace first. This well-known royal residence in London attracts folks from all throughout the globe, and it’s a must-see on a first-time London itinerary.
When you’d prefer to, you may time your go to to coincide with the formal Altering the Guard ceremony. It takes place a number of days every week in entrance of the palace. If not, you may admire the monarch’s London residence from exterior the gates.
When you’re visiting the town through the annual seasonal opening, it’s also possible to tour Buckingham Palace. You’ll get an opportunity to undergo the state rooms, stroll across the gardens, and see the particular exhibition. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
After visiting the palace (or simply seeing it from exterior) you may wander by way of St James’s Park and out to Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall.
From there it’s a brief stroll to Westminster’s Parliament Sq.. This place is residence to among the metropolis’s most beloved landmarks, together with Elizabeth Tower and its well-known bell, Large Ben.
You’ll additionally see the Homes of Parliament and Westminster Abbey right here. You probably have time, you may tour parliament and the abbey. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
When you’d prefer to, you may go on my free self-guided Westminster stroll to find the realm past the primary points of interest. The route will lead you to the quiet lanes and hidden areas locals love.
Once you’re achieved seeing Westminster, stroll throughout the Thames to get to the South Financial institution. It is a enjoyable space to meander round, browse the markets, and absorb the scene alongside the water.
You’ll be able to experience the London Eye when you’re right here, too. It provides among the finest views within the UK capital. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here (you’ll must ebook properly upfront, because it sells out).
The South Financial institution is thought for its animated avenue performers, pop-ups, seasonal festivals, meals vehicles, and different leisure. It’s at all times a deal with to wander round and see what’s on if you’re within the space.
Once you’ve completed discovering the South Financial institution, you may stroll alongside the river to get to Tate Fashionable and Borough Market. They’re two extra of the town’s best-known landmarks.
Tate Fashionable is a world-class artwork museum. It provides free entry, so it’s straightforward to go inside for as lengthy (or as little) as you need to. There are nice views from the higher flooring as properly.
Borough Market is certainly one of my favourite locations to get one thing to eat for lunch. It’s at all times pleasurable to weave your method across the stalls and absorb the colours and smells as you browse.
After you’ve eaten lunch, you may hop on the tube and experience it to Covent Backyard. Once you get there, you may stroll by way of the well-known piazza to see what’s on within the outlets and markets.
From there you may discover the realm round Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard, Mercer Stroll and St Martin’s Courtyard. There are many shops to duck into and enjoyable sights to encourage the senses.
After exploring Covent Backyard, you may make your method by way of Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq., and Piccadilly Circus to get to Regent Avenue and Piccadilly. There’s nice purchasing right here, together with well-known London department shops like Fortnum & Mason and Liberty.
When the solar units, there are many locations you may go for dinner in Mayfair, Soho, or Covent Backyard. These areas have a variety of choices for eating, from informal to formal.
You’ll be able to see my suggestions for eating places and pubs in London if you happen to need assistance discovering a spot to eat. I’ve included a range in any respect worth factors.
After dinner you may go on an open-top bus tour to get extra of a really feel for London. It’s a good way to see what the UK capital has to supply in a brief period of time. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
Day 2 in London: Bloomsbury, South Kensington, Royal Parks & West Finish
You can begin the second morning of your 6-day London itinerary with espresso or breakfast in Bloomsbury. From Retailer Avenue to Lamb’s Conduit Avenue, there’s no scarcity of enjoyable native spots right here.
After consuming you may stroll over to the British Museum. It’s a treasure trove of antiquities from everywhere in the world, and morning is a perfect time to be right here as a result of there will be fewer crowds.
The British Museum is large, and it might take up an entire day of sightseeing in London. It’s a good suggestion to stay to the rooms you’re most serious about.
Entry is free, although, so you may keep for so long as you want. When you want some route, the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian rooms are musts for many first-time guests. The Parthenon Sculptures are in style, too.
Once you’re completed seeing the elements of the gathering that pique your curiosity, you may head to the museum’s beautiful Nice Court docket for a lightweight lunch within the cafe or restaurant.
In order for you one thing totally different, Charlotte Avenue in Fitzrovia has nice locations to eat. It’s in straightforward strolling distance of the museum, and it’s among the best locations to eat close to London’s high points of interest.
Wherever you select to eat, proceed the second of your 6 days in London by getting on the tube and taking it to South Kensington. You’ve got two choices right here: head to a different museum or buy groceries.
When you select the previous, there are three main museums on this a part of London. I like to recommend selecting one. All of them provide free entry, so you may keep for as little or so long as you’d like.
I like the Pure Historical past Museum for its stunning structure and larger-than-life shows, the V&A for its world-class artwork and design (to not point out its superb cafe and nice exhibitions), and the Science Museum for its stimulating displays.
When you don’t need to go to a museum, there are many outlets in and round South Kensington. You’ll be able to take a look at the boutiques on Brompton Street and Fulham Street, or stroll all the way down to the King’s Street in Chelsea.
You can even head to Knightsbridge to go to well-known department shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols when you’re right here. Harrods Meals Halls are price a go to in their very own proper.
You probably have time, you may even stroll down Sloane Avenue and head over to Belgravia. The spotlight of the realm is Elizabeth Avenue, which is known for its floral facades.
After exploring a museum or going purchasing, you may make your method as much as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The formal backyard by Kensington Palace is certainly one of my favourite inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and with 6 days in London, strolling by way of its vine arches is a should.
The Serpentine lake in Hyde Park is at all times enjoyable to wander round, and the Diana Memorial Fountain is price seeing if you happen to’re a fan of the late princess.
Once you attain Hyde Park Nook, you’ll most likely be able to relaxation your legs. There’s no higher technique to do it than by treating your self to afternoon tea in London.
There are many good choices close to Hyde Park, so that you’ll don’t have any downside discovering one which tempts your style buds (simply make certain to ebook properly upfront).
From The Dorchester to The Lanesborough, The Berkeley to the Mandarin Oriental, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower to Claridge’s, The Halkin to The Goring, The Ritz, Brown’s, and Fortnum & Mason, this a part of the town has plenty of choices for afternoon tea.
When night comes, proceed your itinerary for six days in London by heading to the West Finish to see a present. There are many performs, musicals, and comedy acts you will get tickets for on any given evening in London.
The UK capital has a world-class theater scene, so whether or not you’re up for going to a drama in Soho or a musical in Covent Backyard, there’s one thing thrilling you’ll take pleasure in.
When you’re hungry after the present, you may benefit from the late opening hours of lots of the eating places within the West Finish. You would possibly nonetheless be full from afternoon tea, although.
When you’re within the temper for nightlife, yow will discover it on this a part of London. My favourite place is Cahoots, a travel-themed bar in Kingly Court docket.
Different enjoyable locations embrace Ronnie Scott’s jazz membership, the pubs dotted all through the West Finish, and bars like Mr Fogg’s Tavern in Covent Backyard.
Day 3 in London: Day Journey
On the third of your 6 days in London, I like to recommend taking a day journey. There are many locations close to the town which might be definitely worth the effort to go to, and so they’re straightforward to get to by prepare, automotive, or on a guided tour.
If you wish to see well-known college cities, look no additional than Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the most well-liked locations to go on a time out from London.
If cathedral cities are your factor, my high picks are Canterbury in Kent, York in Yorkshire, Norwich in Norfolk, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have awe-inspiring church buildings and exquisite metropolis facilities.
If the seaside beckons, Brighton, Deal, and Hastings are my favourite locations to be by the water. All of them have loads of seashores, outlets, and eating places to take pleasure in. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by prepare as properly.
When you dream of the English countryside, a day journey to the Cotswolds is simply the factor. You’ll be able to go independently with or with no automotive, or on a guided day tour. You’ll be able to see choices and ebook a tour right here.
There’s no scarcity of charming cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embrace Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Fortress Combe, however it’s exhausting to go flawed.
When you love historical past, Winchester, Tub, Lewes, Canterbury and Dover, Hampton Court docket Palace, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you. Amersham is so shut you may even take the tube.
When you’re into castles, there are many castles close to London you may go to. From Windsor Fortress to Leeds Fortress, Hever Fortress, Scotney Fortress, Warwick Fortress, and Dover Fortress, there are tons to select from. They’re among the finest castles in England.
When you like historic mansions, there’s no scarcity of stately properties close to London you may go to. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Fortress, and royal lovers will take pleasure in Polesden Lacey.
Then there are stunning locations like Petworth Home, Burghley Home, Blenheim Palace, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Fortress with its stunning gardens.
When you’re feeling formidable, you may take a day journey to Paris from London. There are different day journeys from London to Europe that make for nice adventures, too. From Brussels to Lille and Amsterdam, you might have a number of good choices.
When you’re in search of seasonal journeys, you may take a look at my guides to spring, summer time, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 4 in London: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Metropolis & East Finish
Begin the subsequent morning of your 6-day London itinerary on the Tower of London. Relationship again to the eleventh century, this place amazes guests with its historical past.
Getting right here early will permit you to keep away from the large crowds that descend later within the day. I like to recommend taking a guided tour with an early-access ticket so you may see the Crown Jewels and meet a Beefeater with out the large traces.
You’ll additionally be capable to tour the White Tower and go to the opposite beloved landmarks throughout the partitions. You’ll be able to ebook your tickets right here.
After touring the Tower of London, stroll over to St Katharine Docks for a fast lunch at a spot like White Mulberries. This distinctive marina subsequent to Tower Bridge is a good place to take pleasure in an informal meal on a day of sightseeing.
After lunch you may stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is likely one of the hottest landmarks in London. You’ll be able to stroll throughout it, then head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour if you wish to. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
Once you go away Tower Bridge, you may head over to the Metropolis of London. There’s tons to see on this a part of the UK capital.
From the long-lasting dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to modern viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital accommodates plenty of previous and new structure.
If you wish to see the highlights, you may go on my self-guided Metropolis of London strolling tour. It should present you all the pieces from the well-known landmarks to the key lanes.
Once you go away the Metropolis, you may stroll or take public transport to Spitalfields. From the stalls at Previous Spitalfields Market to the colourful classic outlets on Brick Lane and the eating places across the Previous Truman Brewery, there’s quite a bit to like on this a part of the East Finish.
After purchasing and exploring, you may stroll as much as Shoreditch for the night. Right here you’ll be capable to absorb east London’s stylish hub.
From Shoreditch Excessive Avenue and Nice Japanese Avenue to Rivington Avenue and Redchurch Avenue, there’s at all times one thing new to find on this hipster London neighborhood.
You’ll be in the precise place for a enjoyable evening out, too. The East Finish is likely one of the metropolis’s finest areas for nightlife, and there’s no scarcity of eating places, bars, pubs, speakeasies, and pop-ups to go to.
Whether or not you need to eat dinner at a hip new restaurant, an informal place in Boxpark Shoreditch, or a historic pub, you might have a number of choices.
You probably have power for going out after dinner, there are nice bars and golf equipment in and round this a part of the town. They’re thrilling locations to finish your evening in London.
Whether or not you go for Hoxton Sq., Hackney, Hackney Wick, Bethnal Inexperienced, or one other cool space within the East Finish, you’re certain to have enjoyable.
Day 5 in London: Native Space
On the subsequent of your 6 days in London, you may dwell like a neighborhood and discover one of many metropolis’s beloved neighborhoods. They’re what I like most in regards to the UK capital, and so they’re nice locations to get to know the facet of London residents spend time in.
Whether or not you take pleasure in a village ambiance, a leafy park, a riverfront space, or a historic neighborhood, there’s a spot for you. I’ve listed a few of my favorites under to present you concepts.
You’ll be able to examine extra under-the-radar locations within the metropolis within the well-known ebook Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You may get it on Amazon right here.
Greenwich
Greenwich numbers amongst my favourite native London neighborhoods. When you like historical past, it’s a fantastic place to spend certainly one of your 6 days in London.
Positioned within the southeast of the town, Greenwich is finest reached by boat from central London. The experience is a spotlight of spending a day right here, and it’s thrilling to soak up the views from the Thames. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
Greenwich is simply the spot for historical past lovers and stargazers. It has extra museums per sq. foot than seemingly every other a part of the town, and it’s residence to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich Imply Time fame.
This neighborhood is the right place so as to add to your 6-day London itinerary if you happen to love digging into the previous, having fun with good views, or staring on the evening sky.
The purchasing right here is nice, too. Whether or not you’re into excessive avenue outlets or historic coated markets, Greenwich has one thing for everybody.
If that each one sounds good, you can begin your time out in Greenwich with the aforementioned boat experience. It should take you proper to the center of Maritime Greenwich.
From the river you may take within the Cutty Sark, a Nineteenth-century British clipper ship. You’ll be able to tour it if you wish to, or simply peer into it from the glass exterior.
From the Cutty Sark you may stroll over to the Nationwide Maritime Museum. This place is filled with all issues British historical past, and its plethora of treasures and interactive displays makes it enjoyable for guests of all ages. It provides free entry, so you may keep for so long as you’d like.
Afterwards you may go into the chapel of the Previous Royal Naval Faculty to see the well-known painted ceiling. This place has been used as a filming location for a lot of motion pictures and TV exhibits set in London, so that you would possibly acknowledge it.
The identical goes for the buildings that make up the Previous Royal Naval Faculty. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, they’re not solely stunning to see, but additionally in style filming websites.
From the Previous Royal Naval Faculty it’s a simple stroll to the Queen’s Home. This Seventeenth-century quantity is a advantageous instance of Palladian structure, and there’s a shocking spiral staircase inside. It provides free entry, too, so it’s straightforward to pop in and probe for a bit.
From the Queen’s Home you may stroll to lunch on the coated market in Greenwich. This historic place has an abundance of stalls promoting all types of ready meals, so that you’re certain to seek out one thing that appeals to your urge for food. There are candy treats as properly.
After lunch, you may stroll into Greenwich Park and head up the hill to the Royal Observatory. This place is thrilling to discover, particularly if you happen to’re serious about all issues astronomy.
It’s a one-of-a-kind expertise to face with a foot on both facet of the Prime Meridian. You’ll need to absorb the sweeping views of London from the crest of the hill in Greenwich Park, too.
Once you’re achieved taking within the panoramas, you may head again down into Greenwich and discover the facet streets with their colourful homes and doorways. There are many beautiful lanes round right here, and so they’re price discovering.
If you wish to see the most effective of the realm, my free self-guided Greenwich strolling tour will lead you to all of the locations I discussed above (and extra!).
When it’s dinner time, you might have a number of locations to select from. Greenwich has enjoyable pubs, together with the well-known Trafalgar Tavern. You’ll be able to watch the waves splash towards the outer partitions right here when it’s excessive tide on the Thames.
After dinner you may finish your day with a ship journey again into central London. It’s a enjoyable technique to see the sights at evening.
Notting Hill
Another choice is to proceed your 6 days in London by exploring Notting Hill. This well-known neighborhood is thought for its vibrant colours, enjoyable outlets, buzzing market, and exquisite mews.
If that appeals, you can begin your day in Notting Hill with a stroll by way of the well-known Portobello Street Market (it’s busiest on Saturdays, so attempt to go then and arrive early).
Once you’re achieved strolling across the market, you may eat lunch there or at one of many space’s many eating places and cafes. From informal locations to upscale ones, there’s a range round Portobello Street and Westbourne Grove.
Within the afternoon you may discover Notting Hill’s facet streets and hidden mews. My free self-guided Notting Hill strolling tour is a good way to do it, as it should take you round to probably the most picturesque ones.
When night comes, you may head to dinner at one of many neighborhood’s beloved pubs and take a look at the nightlife scene. There are many locations to exit right here, and it’s a enjoyable space to take pleasure in a meal and drinks on the finish of a giant day.
Richmond
Within the southwest, Richmond is one other London neighborhood that’s price spending a day exploring. It’s straightforward to get right here by tube or prepare from central London, and it makes a superb vacation spot on your 6-day London itinerary.
Dwelling to a reasonably riverfront space, enjoyable outlets and eating places, and a park full of deer, Richmond is for you if you happen to take pleasure in being outside and also you need to really feel like a neighborhood in London.
You can begin your time out in Richmond with breakfast or espresso at one of many space’s cafes. Whether or not you select a well-recognized chain or an impartial spot, there are many choices.
Once you’re achieved fueling up, you may uncover the facet streets. The lanes, walks, and courts that radiate from the excessive avenue are stuffed with little surprises (and well-known Ted Lasso filming areas).
Richmond Inexperienced is picturesque, too. When you’re fortunate, you would possibly see a neighborhood cricket match occurring when you’re right here. When you want some route, my free self-guided Richmond strolling tour is simply the factor.
Once you’re achieved, you may store on the excessive avenue. There are all types of recognizable names and impartial boutiques on and across the neighborhood thoroughfare.
After purchasing, you may eat lunch at a riverside pub. They’re perfect locations to take in the solar and watch the boats go by on the water.
You’ll be able to stroll alongside the river if you’ve completed lunch. Whether or not you need a brief stroll or an extended one, the Thames Path will provide you with choices.
You’ll be able to even stroll all the best way to Ham Home, a Nationwide Belief property in London. It’s price touring if you happen to like historical past. The gardens and artwork assortment are spectacular, too.
After your stroll you may head up the hill to Richmond Park. This place is likely one of the metropolis’s greatest and most spectacular inexperienced areas.
Richmond Park is known for its deer, so have your digital camera prepared as you’re exploring. They’re superb to see up shut.
In order for you some route, you may see routes at no cost self-guided walks on my weblog publish about park walks in London.
When the solar begins to sink, you may head again into the neighborhood for dinner at one of many eating places or pubs close to the excessive avenue, then hop on the tube or a prepare again to central London.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden & King’s Cross
Start the final morning of your 6 days in London in Hampstead. This beautiful north London neighborhood is certainly one of my favourite locations within the metropolis. It appears like a rustic village.
With historic pubs, charming streets, and one of many UK capital’s largest parks, it’s the best place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return any likelihood I get.
You’ll be able to stroll round this London village by yourself, or take my free self-guided Hampstead stroll or certainly one of my Hampstead Heath walks to find better of the realm.
When lunch o’clock rolls round, you may eat at one of many native pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. My favorites are the Holly Bush, Jin Kichi, and Villa Bianca. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the traces will be gradual.
After consuming, you may stroll or take the tube previous Belsize Park and Primrose Hill to get to Camden City. Right here you’ll discover Camden Excessive Avenue and markets like Camden Market, Hawley Wharf, and Buck Avenue Market.
You’ll be able to absorb Camden’s funky facades and browse the market stalls when you’re right here. They’re perfect spots to select up presents and enjoyable issues to take residence as souvenirs.
You’ll be able to keep in Camden till night units in. The market has a number of meals stalls the place you may eat dinner, and the realm has a legendary nightlife scene. It’s significantly beloved for dwell music.
From the Roundhouse to KOKO, there’s at all times a gig on. Iconic pubs like The World’s Finish have basement bars with dwell exhibits, too.
Alternatively, after Camden you may stroll alongside the Regent’s Canal towpath to get to King’s Cross. The world round Granary Sq. and Coal Drops Yard is filled with outlets, eating places, bars, and cafes. It’s a enjoyable place to have dinner.
Earlier than or after you dine, you may head all the way down to the realm’s landmark prepare stations. King’s Cross is known for its awe-inspiring inside structure and Harry Potter connections.
Whereas inside, you may take an image on the Platform 9 3/4 signal and choose up a memento from the Harry Potter store proper subsequent to it.
Throughout the road from King’s Cross station, St Pancras Worldwide is thought for its beautiful exterior structure.
Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s one of the beloved heritage buildings in London. There are nice outlets and eating places inside, too.
Coincidentally, St Pancras was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter motion pictures. Yow will discover out which one in my weblog publish with a Harry Potter stroll.
If you wish to exit after exploring and consuming, there’s a variety of pubs and bars round right here. From those on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to native spots in close by Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury, you’re spoiled for alternative.
6 Days in London
I hope you’ve loved this 6-day London itinerary and that it’s given you good concepts for issues to do within the UK capital. There’s quite a bit to see and expertise right here, and I’m certain you’ll go away wanting to return again and discover extra.
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